CBT Therapist Directory

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Mary Kay Zayani, LCSW

LCSW with 25 years experience
  • Grief and relationship support
  • CBT and strengths focused
  • Phone video and messaging

About Mary Kay Zayani

Mary Kay Zayani is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 25 years of experience, based in California. She earned a master's degree in clinical social work from Columbia University in New York. LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a credential that indicates advanced training to provide clinical counseling and support.

From an early age she had a natural ability to listen, soothe, and support others, and she has channeled that gift into a long career in psychotherapy. Her practice focuses on helping people through grief and loss, depression, anxiety, parenting challenges, PTSD, relational and intimacy concerns, career transitions, and motivational coaching, among other life issues.

Her therapeutic style blends strength-based perspectives with cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic techniques. She aims to be a neutral, objective, and nonjudgmental witness who listens, validates, and encourages clients while helping them uncover their own answers. Mary Kay emphasizes emotional stabilization, self-soothing, and identifying and challenging unhelpful core beliefs and cognitive distortions.

Clients can expect a warm, empathic presence that supports practical change and deeper insight, with an emphasis on collaboration and helping each person move forward from a place of increased resilience and clarity.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefCareer difficultiesCoaching

Also Specializes In

AddictionsFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesBody imageCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issues

Therapeutic Approach

Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Existential Therapy Jungian Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Mary Kay Zayani have?

Mary Kay Zayani has 25 years of experience in the field of counseling and mental health.

Is Mary Kay Zayani a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the LCSW credential. License details are NY LCSW 075755 and CA LCSW 21199.

In which languages does Mary Kay Zayani provide therapy?

Mary Kay Zayani provides therapy in English.

Where is Mary Kay Zayani located?

Mary Kay Zayani is located in California.

How can I work with Mary Kay Zayani as my therapist?

You can work with Mary Kay Zayani through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Mary Kay Zayani work with international clients?

Mary Kay Zayani does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Mary Kay Zayani cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Therapeutic Approaches and Remote Care

Mary Kay draws on Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to support people navigating relationships, loss, anxiety, and life transitions. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early bonds shape current relationships and helps people address abandonment or attachment issues to build more secure connections. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on providing an empathic, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship so individuals can explore their feelings and arrive at their own solutions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mood challenges.



Finding the right approach is part of the work and typically unfolds collaboratively. Mary Kay partners with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences, then tailors techniques so therapy feels relevant and practical for that individual.



Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility by allowing sessions by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, maintain continuity during transitions, and connect with licensed professionals from locations that are convenient for the client.

Ready to start therapy with Mary Kay Zayani?

Take the first step toward a better you.